Morning Routine

The morning routine at our house is anything but peaceful. In a house that has morning people out numbered by NOT morning people (2 v. 3), getting ready for the day is a struggle. Here's how it goes. My son, N, is usually up by 6:30 a.m. and gets ready fairly quickly. My girls, M & E are a whole different story. Just getting them out of bed is an incredible challenge. Encouraging them out of bed can include singing (I'll stop if they get up), lights on, physically removing covers and/or them and counting down to lost privileges. We've tried everything including rewards, punishments and earlier bedtimes to make a change, but it's destined not to happen. They are just not morning people. Eventually they get going and get ready (with a lot more coaxing).

Once they are ready, they head downstairs for breakfast where dad has cereal, fruit or other yummy offerings to fuel their bodies. Breakfast usually includes reminders for the day, reminders to eat and other general craziness. If the kids made it downstairs by 7:00 a.m. ready for school and bed made, then they can choose between a sack lunch or hot lunch (another tool to entice them to move in the mornings). By 7:30 a.m. we head to the car, to make our way to school.

Most mornings feel like a flurry of craziness. So, when we finally get into the car we usually need a little reset. Sometimes we need a few deep breaths, but we always regroup with a prayer. It started out with me leading the prayer, but it's built to where the kids include their own intentions. They usually will put a shout out for their grandparents, teachers and good friends. By the time we get to school everyone is in a much better place to start the day. And as they exit the car I'll shout out, “Make it a great day! Love you!”

So, how do you get your not morning people moving, start the day and make it a great one?

#gr8dayluvu